2009 British Open Golf Championship

British Open - Turnberry, Ayrshire Scotland

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The British Open, also called "The Open", is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. Out of the major championships, it is the only one held outside the United States. The British Open is played during the third weekend of July, and is the third major played annually. The Open is played at one of nine courses in the United Kingdom.

With its rich history beginning in 1860, it has evolved quite a bit since than. Its payout for the winner was originally nothing in the first year of the tournament. In 1863, the purse increased to about $50 dollars for the winner. Today its payout is almost $2 million for the winner, and has the largest payout of any major tournament.

The tournament is known for its breathtaking courses, as The Open is played at some of the most spectacular courses in the world. The 2009 British Open will be played at the Ailsa Course at the Westin Turnberry Resort July 16 - 19, 2009. This Open venue, which is on the edge of the River Clyde with a most recognizable vista to the Ailsa Craig and in the shadows of the esteemed Turnberry Hotel. This was the stage in 1977 for arguably the greatest 36 hole drama between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson whose famous “duel in the sun” was settled by a single shot.

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